Citing the lack of hockey teams in a number of major cities, the World Hockey Association was formed in 1972, the first major competition for the NHL in almost 50 years. By successfully challenging the "reserve clause", a contractual agreement that players were bound to their teams, even after their contract had expired, the WHA made it possible for NHL players to jump leagues, and immediately offered higher salaries than NHL owners would. Hoping to gain instant credibility, the WHA went after superstars, and signed forward Bobby Hull to a record-breaking ten-year, $2.75 million contract. The WHA signed 66 other NHLers for the inaugural season, as well as many Europeans thought unsuited for the NHL style of play. While the WHA was able to achieve moderate success, the league merged with the NHL in 1979, with only four teams surviving.
As with other startup leagues that tried to challenge the establishment, the WHA was plagued with financial and legal issues, as franchises constantly relocated, folded mid-season, or existed in name only, never actually hitting the ice. One such team was the Ottawa Nationals, one of twelve teams to open the inaugural season. The Nationals had problems almost immediately, as Hamilton and Ottawa residents were at odds over who would be awarded the "Ontario" franchise. When Ottawa won out, Hamilton residents refused to drive 500km. to see an "Ottawa" team play, and attendance suffered. At the beginning of the playoff season, team owner Nick Trbovich began referring to the team as the "Ontario Nationals" in an effort to bring Hamilton residents on board. But when the city of Ottawa demanded a $100,000 deposit to secure dates for the next season, the team was sold and moved to Toronto, sharing an arena with the NHLs Maple Leafs before relocating to Birmingham three seasons later.
A wonderful discovery and tremendous opportunity for WHA and game-used jersey enthusiasts, the offered Ottawa Nationals home white sweater was worn by defenseman Chris Meloff during the inaugural 1972-73 WHA season, their only year in existence as the Ottawa Nationals. Even more fleeting than the team's existence, Meloff’s entire professional hockey career amounted to just 28 games, all with the Nationals in their lone season. This extraordinarily rare red, white, and blue knit jersey has a "Maska" manufacturer's tag in the collar and measures to size 44. The team logo, which exhibits moderate puckering, and number "22" on the back and sleeves are tackle twill stitched, with a tie-neck style collar that appears to have the original lace. Excellent game use is apparent, with staining evident throughout, fabric runs inside the bottom hem, and a team repair at the right elbow. Overall, this endangered relic is in excellent condition and proudly represents the long extinct WHA. LOA from Mile High Card Co.